Positive Communication for Leaders provides a practical model of positive communication that will immediately inspire unity and influence change in organizations. Drawing on decades of research in the fields of communication and leadership and combined experience consulting and training leaders across many professions, Julien C. Mirivel and Alexander Lyon offer concrete practices and strategies to do what feels impossible: to lead effectively, create community, and inspire positive change.
Each chapter is built around a core skill that leaders must master. With practical examples, stories from practitioners, and meaningful exercises, leaders will learn to apply the skill one-on-one, in group contexts, and across the organization. The book gets to the heart of relationship-building, recognizes that positive relationships matter greatly, and provides a blueprint for leading positively and effectively. The many practical examples offered in the chapters will help novice and experienced leaders alike navigate hard conversations with confidence.
The ability to create and maintain positive relationships is a crucial aspect of leadership in any profession, both in past and present, and has become an imperative for those who lead. This book shows how to make time and space for quality connections and how to build better relationships. It is a must-have resource for new and experienced leaders alike.
Julien C. Mirivel is an award-winning teacher, author, and professional speaker. He is professor of applied communication at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Originally from Paris, France, he is among the founding scholars in the emerging field of positive communication and an award-winning teacher and scholar. In 2013, he was named a Distinguished Teaching Fellow at UA Little Rock, where he served in a number of leadership roles, including co-director for the Academy for Teaching and Learning Excellence, chair, associate dean, and dean of the College of Social Sciences and Communication. Julien has published in the most rigorous journals in the field of communication and is the author of two books on positive communication: The Art of Positive Communication and How Communication Scholars Think and Act. Mirivel has delivered hundreds of keynotes, trainings, and workshops on how to communicate effectively. He is a TEDx speaker and founder of the Positive Communication Network whose mission is to foster a community dedicated to creating better social worlds for all through positive communication research, education, and practice.
Alexander Lyon is professor of communication at the State University of New York, Brockport, and a professional speaker and consultant. His teaching focuses mainly on communication in the workplace and leadership. His first book, Courageous Organizational Communication Case Studies looks at both inspirational workplaces and cautionary tales. He has published original research in peer-reviewed journals such as Communication Monographs, Management Communication Quarterly, the Journal of Applied Communication Research, Communication Studies, and others. For the last two decades, he has consulted or spoken for the likes of Nike, Google, Visa, and Center for Homeland Defense and Security. He hosts the 400,000+ subscriber YouTube channel, Communication Coach Alex Lyon and is the founder of Communication Coach Academy.
Contents
Preface
Chapter 1: Positive Communication for Leaders
Chapter 2 : Greet to Invite a Human Connection
Chapter 3: Ask to Discover More
Chapter 4: Compliment to Affect Personal Growth
Chapter 5 : Disclose to Deepen Relationships
Chapter 6 : Encourage to Give Support
Chapter 7 : Listen to Transcend Difference
Chapter 8: Inspire Unity and Effect Change
About the Authors
It is normal to engage in conventional conversations, yet some people become skilled in creating conversations of high, mutual, influence and impact. When we meet them, we never forget them. This inspiring and practical book will teach you how to become an unforgettable practitioner of positive communication. It is a must read.
— Robert E. Quinn, Margaret Elliot Tracy Professor Emeritus, University of Michigan, Ross School of Business, Center for Positive Organizations
Positive Communication for Leaders is an active leadership approach that gives practical, research-backed strategies for becoming a positive leader. This book provides useful guidance and powerful inspiration for how to turn an aspiration to be a leader with beneficial impact into a reality.
— Jane Dutton, Robert L. Kahn Distinguished University Professor Emerita, University of Michigan
Mirivel and Lyon have written one of the most significant books of the decade in the communication discipline. Easy to read and grasp, the book provides a practical road map for mastering the power of positive communication. Leaders and laypeople will find this book to be of immense value in how to live a life of deep meaning.
— Arvind Singhal, Marston Endowed Professor of Communication at The University of Texas at El Paso, William J. Clinton Distinguished Fellow at the Clinton School of Public Service at the University of Arkansas in Little Rock
Manifesting model leadership through communication skill, this book is an essential resource for everyone interested in properly relating to others.
— Allen Weiner, Communication Development Associates
This is a fantastic book relevant to a time in organizations when high trust relationships are more important than ever. It will push you to reflect and grow with practical tips to create real change!
— Hollie Packman, founder, Packman and Associates, Inc.
Radical global changes require new ways of connecting, and the practices in Positive Communications for Leaders have proven valuable with organizational leaders and in our global development work where we support communities in their own transformation.
— Hilary Haddigan, Chief of Mission Effectiveness, Heifer International
Positive Communication for Leaders is an easy and enjoyable read based on a clear and well thought out communication model. It takes a storytelling approach to show why who you are and how you connect with others is the cornerstone of leadership effectiveness. A great tool to assess and improve your communication and leadership skills and impact change.
— Pete Tanguay, president, Rock Pond Pros
